January 8, 2009

CALENDAR

Unless otherwise noted all phone numbers are in the 408 area code.

MUSIC

Dec. 7
The Stewart Tartan Pipes & Drums of San Francisco, will be providing a free holiday concert at 3 p.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 13601 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga.  This event will also feature appearances by the Piedmont Highland Dancers; tenor Burr Nissen; the Peninsula Scottish Fiddlers, who have recently returned from a performance tour in Scotland; and the King’s Brass, a local brass ensemble.

DANCE

Dec. 11 – 23
Ballet San Jose presents Dennis Nahat’s “The Nutcracker” This San Jose tradition once again graces the stage of the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. Maria and her beloved nutcracker will delight audiences, young and old alike; and as a special treat for the little ones, The Nutcracker offers two special one-hour matinee performances. Children and their families can extend their Nutcracker experience by reserving space at the Nutcracker “High Teas” held at the beautifully-restored Sainte Claire Hotel. For Nutcracker Ballet information, or information about High Teas at the Sainte Claire Hotel, call 288-2800 or www.balletsanjose.org Ballet performance tickets are $30 - $85. High Tea tickets are $35 - $50.

CHILDREN & FAMILY

Nov. 14 – Jan. 11, 2009
Downtown Ice now open: Ice skate under the stars – and palm trees – in the heart of downtown San Jose’s holiday activities.  Beginning its 13th season, Downtown Ice has become a much-anticipated holiday tradition , joining Christmas in the Park and San Jose’s Annual Holiday Parade. The stunning rink, produced by the San Jose Downtown Association, attracts more than 40,000 skaters and countless spectators. Weather permitting, general hours are 5 to 10 p.m. weeknights and noon to midnight on weekends and during winter break. Admission is $13 for 12 yrs and younger, $15 for 13 yrs and older. Prices include skate rental and unlimited ice time. Downtown Ice is located at the Circle of Palms on South Market Street at San Fernando Street across from Plaza de Cesar Chavez. For more information and special holiday hours, visit www.sjdowntown.com or call 279-1775, ext. 4. Rink phone: 291-0525.

Nov. 28 – Dec. 28
San Francisco’s legendary Sir Francis Drake Hotel will host Zanzibar Fairytale Puppet Theater’s Cinderella: Created by Theodore Dawson’s Zanzibar Fairytale Puppet Theater, this enchanting puppet show debuts at the Sir Francis Drake’s Empire Ballroom this holiday season.  Designed to delight the entire family, the story unfolds upon a magical Christmas Eve and sets a new standard for puppet shows with beautifully costumed and wonderfully crafted puppets, exquisite scenery, entrancing lighting, a lush musical score and a dazzling indoor snowfall. Guests will also delight in a Viennese buffet made up of a fantastic array of cakes, cookies, tarts and hot chocolate, along with other delicious holiday confections.  Opening Night follows the Union Square tree lighting. Sir Francis Drake is located at 450 Powell Street, San Francisco. Admission is $65 per person, which includes the show, buffet and hot chocolate. Call (415)433-1235 to reserve tickets, or visit www.zanzibarpuppets.com for reservations and show times.

Nov. 28 – Dec. 31
Santa Clara County Parks Department presents its annual “Fantasy of Lights” event at Vasona Lake Park. Celebrating its 10th year Anniversary, this bay area tradition will feature new displays – including an erupting volcano – prizes, a drawing, and coupons on the website. Go to www.Parkhere.org for more information and directions. Hours are 6 – 10 p.m. nightly; admission is $10 through Dec. 10, $15 from Dec. 11 – Dec. 31. Vasona Lake Park is located at 333 Blossom Hill Road in Los Gatos.

Dec. 7
The 27th annual San Jose Holiday Parade and Paradefest at Christmas in the Park: The 2008 San Jose Holiday Parade themed “”Timeless Holiday” begins at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 7. Visit www.sanjoseholidayparade.com or call (408) 794-6200 for Parade route information. Following the parade, the celebration continues with ParadeFest at Christmas in the Park, a free auxiliary event in conjunction with the San Jose Holiday Parade. Beginning at 11 a.m., the day will be filled with live performances from parade guests including up-and-coming artists Joey Page, Briana James, and local bay area’s Jessica Johnson, as well as local dance groups. Don’t forget to stop by the meet and greet booth for a chance to visit with all of our special guests, including a special appearance from Miss USA, and the rock’in Raggs. Keeping up with tradition, the United States Marine Corps to benefit the Toys for Tots Program will close the evening off with a live concert.

Dec. 12 – 14
Foxworthy Baptist Church presents 25th Annual “Christmas Gift to San Jose”: Held at the Foxworthy Baptist Church facility, this fully-staged and choreographed musical production features over 50 singers, beautiful sets and special effects that include falling snow. Among the Christmas favorites featured are “Jingle Bells”, “Winter Wonderland” and “Sleighride,” plus a Children’s Christmas Medley with appearances by Rudolph, Frosty and the Grinch. In the traditional second half of the production, the choir celebrates the birth of Jesus and the reason for the season. There is no charge for admission, but tickets are required. Request free tickets at the church website- www.foxworthy.org or call 516-3111. For further information call the church at 269-1212.

Dec. 13
Downtown Campbell ‘s Annual Carol of Lights: One of the most popular Campbell traditions is back! Once again, the Carol of Lights Festival will feature Santa visits, bounce houses, pony rides, a petting zoo, and a snow zone with real snow for kids to play in. Event hours are 2 – 5 p.m. Came and enjoy this true family event with tons of community spirit.

Dec. 13 & 23
Nutcracker “High Tea” at downtown San Jose’s Sainte Claire Hotel: As a special treat for Ballet San Jose’s youngest fans, special “High Tea” parties for children will be following select matinee performances of “The Nutcracker.” The teas will follow the Children’s (one-hour) matinee performances on Dec.13 and on Dec.23, both matinees begin at San Jose Center for the Performing Arts at 1:30 p.m.  The parties begin at 3pm.  Teas offer children the unique opportunity to meet characters from the show and enjoy a delightful afternoon of face-painting, balloon artists and “Maria’s Toy Shop,” a unique holiday boutique for those last-minute gifts. The Sainte Claire Hotel is located at 302 South Market Street in San Jose, High Tea reservation rates are $50/Adults, $30/Children. Call 288-2820 for reservations.

CLASSES

Dec. 13
Annual Holiday Wreath Workshop: This annual workshop is so popular; we’ve added an additional time slot. Get ready for the holidays the old-fashioned way by making your own wreath. Master Gardener Milli Wright and friends will show how to look through gardens and parks to find unusual items that can be incorporated into the wreaths. After a basic design lesson, you will be ready to create a personal gift for your home. All basic materials will be provided, but if you have some special greenery, lights or ornaments that you’d like to incorporate into your wreath, please bring them along. Workshop times are 10 a.m. to noon or 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Cost is $15/members or $20 non-members. Program location: Visitor Center, 438 Coleman Ave, San Jose. Reserve your spot by contacting education @grpg.org or call 298-7657.

VOLUNTEERS

Join us in the Willow Glen High School HOSTS Program and Help One Student to Succeed. Volunteer one hour per week at the high school and tutor a student in English/reading/writing. For information on how to get involved please contact Debbie at wghsvolunteer@sbcglobal.net or 266-1351.

FIFTY PLUS

AARP Willow Glen - Chapter 5193: Meetings are held every fourth Monday of the month, 1 – 3 p.m. There will be speakers on senior issues and refreshments are served. Willows Senior Center, 2175 Lincoln Ave., San Jose. For more information, call 448-6400.

MISCELLANEOUS

Dec. 17 - 28
Winter Movies at the California Theater: Make the most of your winter indoor time with a movie day at the California Theater. Our movie schedule is as follows: Home Alone, Dec. 17-18; Funny Girl, Dec.17-18; White Christmas, Dec. 19-21; A Christmas Story, Dec. 19-21; The Polar Express, Dec. 22-23; The Music Man, Dec. 22-23; It’s A Wonderful Life, Dec. 24; Swiss Family Robinson, Dec. 25-26; and Mary Poppins, Dec.27-28. Visit www.sanjose.org for show times. Admission is $5.

Dec. 18 & 21
Holiday Open House Tours at Campbell’s Ainsley House: This Holiday season,the historic Ainsley House in Downtown Campbell will be transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland! Join us for one of two special evening open houses, where the lights and the decorations can be experienced in all their nighttime splendor. All 15 rooms of this splendid manse will be decorated by local interior designers, house decorators, florists, and volunteers to the theme of “Winter Wonderland.” There will also be a special holiday boutique open on the top floor, full of unique delights for holiday shoppers. Event hours are 5:30 – 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for Museum members, $15 for non-members, and may be purchased at the Campbell Historical Museum Stores or at the Museum Office, 51 N. Central Avenue in Campbell. For more information and advance reservation information, call 866-2119. Ainsley House location: 300 Grant Street, Campbell. Advance reservations are recommended.

Ongoing
Open Mic at Monsieur Beans of Willow Glen! Stand up performers, musicians, comedians or poets of any kind are welcome. Every 4th Friday of the month, sign ups for performers start at 7 p.m., gigs begin at 8p.m. Local Fun! 1383 Lincoln Ave. 95125. Call 297-9077 for more information. Sound systems are provided by the house.
New Mom Support Group: Wednesdays, from 9:30 – 11 a.m. at Baby Buzz Cafe, 1314 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose. For more information, please contact group facilitator Cheryl at mamamiacher@yahoo.com
The Willow Glen Chapter of Society Dog announces weekly walks. These free walks happen every Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. We meet at the Public Parking Lot across from the Willow Glen Elementary School (near Minnesota and Lincoln) and walks are followed by “Yappy Hour” at a dog-friendly restaurant. Everyone is invited, but you must sign up as a member (Basic Membership is Free) and agree to the terms of participation. Feel free to contact us at the Yelp Line: 671-3417 or helpdog@societydog.com

We are seeking calendar items pertaining to the South Bay communities we cover in our seven monthly community newspapers: Blossom Valley, Cambrian, Campbell, Evergreen, Santa Teresa, Willow Glen, and our weekly publication, Almaden Times Weekly. Items must be submitted by e-mail or fax several weeks before the event. Send an email to candy@timesmediainc.com or fax to Candy Richter at 494-7078. Photos should be sent digitally as jpegs or mailed to Calendar, Times Newspapers, 1310 Tully Rd., Suite 107, San Jose, CA 95122. Due to the large volume of items received calendar requests left on voice mail cannot be used. Space is limited.